University of Kentucky®
Undergraduate Certificate in
Leadership Studies
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 18
CREDENTIALS Certificate
COST PER CREDIT
$654.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Leadership Studies
About this Program
The Undergraduate Certificate in Leadership Studies prepares students to understand and practice leadership across personal, organizational, and community settings. Through courses focused on ethics, collaboration, and systems thinking, students learn how leaders foster trust, navigate complexity, and translate ideas into meaningful action. The program develops practical leadership skills grounded in self-awareness and integrity, helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to challenges they will face in their professions and communities.
Designed For
This certificate is designed for students who want to develop their leadership capacity in applied, organizational contexts. Leadership Studies focuses on how individuals lead within teams, programs, and systems to create sustainable change. It is well suited for students in education, agriculture, health, communication, business, or community development who expect to work in environments where collaboration, ethical reasoning, and decision-making are essential. The certificate complements any major, enhances career readiness, and provides a foundation for continued study in leadership or organizational development.
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What You’ll Learn
Develop a Foundation in Leadership Theory and Practice
Gain an understanding of how leadership functions across historical, cultural, and organizational contexts. Learn core theories, leadership styles, and strategies for success while exploring the responsibilities and ethical dimensions of leadership.
Strengthen Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness
Build the skills to communicate with clarity, manage conflict, and lead with authenticity. Coursework emphasizes trust, motivation, and decision-making while helping you articulate your own leadership philosophy and ethical framework.
Apply Leadership Concepts in Real-World Contexts
Integrate what you’ve learned through projects and experiences that connect theory to practice. Analyze contemporary leadership challenges, reflect on your personal leadership growth, and demonstrate strategies for leading effectively in today’s dynamic organizations and communities.
Course Examples
- EDL 402 Principles of Leadership
- EDL 404 Contemporary Leadership Applications
- EDL 403 Leadership and Communication
- EDL 571 Design Thinking in Education
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
Students who are non-degree seeking will be asked to self-certify that they hold a high school diploma or equivalency.
Admissions Note
Undergraduate Admissions may accept applications beyond the published application date.
Application Requirements
If you are already enrolled in a UK Campus program, you can add this certificate in myGPS.
If this is the only program you intend to enroll in, or if you are a UK Online student, please apply as "non-degree seeking."
Program Contact
Deadlines
Spring 2026
Summer 2026
Fall 2026
Getting the Leadership Certificate took me to the next level – it gives you an edge. The courses were very self-reflective and interpersonally focused which complemented my undergraduate degree really well. Let’s be honest – leadership is everywhere, and this certificate is applicable in a variety of ways. In the process of obtaining this certificate I realized the distinct impact you can make through effective leadership. I would highly recommend it!
Caroline EllisWhy UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
I've never enrolled in college. Can I take this undergraduate certificate? What deadlines apply to me?
Individuals with no prior college experience that meet both the general and program admissions requirements can apply! Visit the Readmissions and Non Degree admissions page to learn more about the process!
Those who apply to online undergraduate certificate programs without actively pursuing a degree are referred to as "non-degree” seeking. The fall deadline for non-degree seeking students is August 1st and the spring deadline is November 15th.
Certain programs may impose earlier application deadlines. Applicants are advised to confirm their program application deadline through the undergraduate admissions team or the online program pages.
I'm already an undergrad student at UK. How do I add this undergraduate certificate?
Current students should discuss their interest in adding any program to their plan of study with their advisor to assess impact to graduation timeline and more. In most cases, students can add a certificate through myUK:
1. Go into MyUK
2. Click on “MyUK GPS”
3. Go to “My Program of Study” and on the right hand side of the page you should see a button that says “Request a Major Change.” Click on this button.
4. Once you go into this form, click "Add a Major" and search for the certificate program to add.
Please note, certain programs require students to complete an internal application before you can be enrolled in the program.
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
Is financial aid available if this is the only program I enroll in?
Federal financial aid is not available to students who only enroll in a certificate program.
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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